My Foray into My Midwestern Roots

Little Women

An article in one of my husband’s magazines explained how Family Tree DNA began. It spelled out the differences between mtDNA (mitochondrial DNA) and paternal DNA. Mitochondrial DNA is passed from a woman to her children (both sons and daughters) but only to her daughter’s children through the female line. The paternal DNA is passed from father to son to son and so on.

Reading this, I decided to follow the female line to see where it would take me – both in personal terms (how they are related) and geographical (where were they born and lived) to get a clearer picture on where my female ancestors originated.

Now it’s time to start researching the Botafield family and especially Katherine in order to find her mother. I also need to do some documentation in order to verify that Katherine was indeed Susannah’s mother.

Sheri – the picture is deceiving – she’s not wearing glasses – just a spec or something on the photo that I didn’t notice until I enlarged it! But I’m sure I can accomodate her on other photos! Thanks for the comment!

Wendy, Thanks for an interesting look at the women in your history. mDNA is a fascinating way to study the direct line between females within a family. The cardinal (well almost cardinal) rule that all life comes from pre-existing life is so evident in the rule that all mDNA comes from pre-exisiting mDNA.

That you have so many generations of photographs is an amazing look at the direct lineage in all that mDNA. Thanks for sharing such an interesting view of your maternal line.

Terry Thornton
Fulton, Mississippi
HILL COUNTRY OF MONROE COUNTY MISSISSIPPI

I am related to you via Katharine Botafield and Joseph A Miller. Their son, John Holsapple Miller is the line I am descended from. I was wondering if you had any info on Katharine Botafield. I have been trying to find out more about her.